Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

This work was aimed at synthesizing and characterizing urolithin B-encapsulated polyethyleneimine (PEI)-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles and their probable therapeutic use for diabetes-induced kidney damage. Nanoparticles with a specific formulation were prepared using the optimized formulation method, and various analyses were conducted on their properties. A completion of the conjugation between PEI and chitosan was identified through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The percent Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) along with Loading Efficiency (LE) were also determined and optimized to have the maximum encapsulation of the drug. The improved formulation of UB-PEI-CHI-NPs, with a particle size of 150 nm and a zeta potential of + 20.2 mV, achieved a percentage entrapment efficiency of 85.4%. Nanoparticle concentration ranging from 10 to 100 µg/mL resulted in cell survival rates above 85%. The in vitro drug release study revealed that urolithin B is released gradually over a longer duration. The MTT assay further ascertained the biocompatibility of the formulation and the cytotoxicity of the formulation in a dose-dependent manner. These outcomes indicate that urolithin-loaded PEI-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles might be employed as an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, and hence, further in vivo experiments are required to test the prospects of the formulated nanoparticles.

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles for the thermal decomposition of potassium nitrate (KNO₃). The iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NP_s) were synthesized using a co-precipitation method and then functionalized with 11-Bromoundecanoic (Fe₃O₄@Br) and 11-Aminoundecanoic acids (Fe₃O₄@NH₂) by chemical route. The functionalized nanoparticles were characterized using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The characterization results revealed that the nanoparticles have a uniform size of approximately 8.3 nm, exhibit superparamagnetic behavior, and are successfully functionalized. To compare short and long-chain ligands, we included our previously reported quaternary (Fe₃O₄@NR₄⁺) and tertiary (Fe₃O₄@NR₃) amine-functionalized magnetic catalysts in the catalytic studies. Among the different functionalized nanoparticles, Fe₃O₄@NR₃ exhibited the most pronounced catalytic activity, significantly reducing the decomposition temperature (DT) of KNO₃ to 683.2 °C compared to the other nanoparticles. This enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the specific interaction between the Fe₃O₄@NR₃ surface and KNO₃ molecules. The activation energies (E_a) for the thermal decomposition of KNO₃ were calculated using the ASTM e628 method, confirming the decrease in activation energy for the Fe₃O₄@NH₂ + KNO₃ mixture compared to pure KNO₃. These findings demonstrate the potential of tailored surface functionalization to improve the catalytic performance of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for KNO₃ decomposition, which has potential applications in various fields such as propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.

Herein, electrochemical detection of capsaicin (CAP) in sauce and rub samples at a Pt electrode modified with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) incorporated with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) was reported. The spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of CuO NPs, fMWCNTs and CuO/fMWCNTs nanocomposite with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed that CuO/fMWCNTs was prepared from the nanomaterials. Electrochemical characterization of the bare Pt, the fMWCNTs-modified Pt, the CuO NP-modified Pt (Pt-CuO) and the CuO/fMWCNTs composite modified Pt (Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs) electrodes revealed that the Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs exhibited the best electron transfer capabilities. The limit of detection (LOD) and the linear range of CAP at Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs were 0.0881 and 0.357–2.73 µM, respectively. The proposed sensor offered outstanding percentage recovery of 106 and 102% when applied to the electroanalysis of CAP in spiked sauce and rub samples, respectively. Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs also retained about 88% of its initial current response when subjected to 25 cyclic voltammetry (CV) scans in the presence of CAP.

Nickel sulphide (NiS) with its low band gap and interesting optical properties, is able to absorb visible light, thus possess appreciable photocatalytic properties. However, their synthesis by green and sustainable methods with controlled morphologies, sizes and phases for specific applications remains a major challenge. We herein report the green synthesis of olive oil- (OO) and castor oil-(CO) capped Ni_xS_y nanoparticles by the thermolysis of [Ni(L)₂] (1) and [Ni₂(L)₃(SCN)].6H₂O (2) complexes as single source precursors (SSPs) at 190 °C and 230 °C, (L being furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone). The single crystal X-ray structure of compound (1) has been elucidated. The influence of reaction parameters on the structure, morphology, size, optical and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles Has been examined using various techniques. Results of powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) reveal a mixture of hexagonal Ni₁₇S₁₈ and orthorhombic Ni₉S₈ nanomaterials. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of Ni_xS_y nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed spherical and fibrous nanoparticles with sizes ranging between 3.0 and 25.3 nm. Optical properties of Ni_xS_y nanoparticles. The band gap energies obtained from Tauc plots vary between 2.25 and 2.49 eV and 2.29–2.50 eV for NixSy nanoparticles derived from complex (1) and complex (2) respectively and show considerable blue shift from its bulk value due to quantum size confinement effect. The presence of peaks around 1390 and 1561 cm^-1 in the Raman spectra confirm the formation of olive and castor oil capped nickel sulphide nanoparticles (NPs). These results suggest that crystallinity, size, morphology and optical properties of the synthesized Ni_xS_y NPs were affected by thermolysis temperature, capping agent and precursor type. The as-prepared nickel sulphide nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) at a concentration of 10 ppm under UV light irradiation. Nickel sulphide nanoparticles obtained in olive oil at 190 °C using complex (2) as SSP, showed a maximum degradation efficiency of 52.0% after 180 min, suggesting that Ni_xS_y nanoparticles can be used as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants.

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Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health challenge, driving the search for novel treatments, and nanoparticles have been introduced as a practical component for better patient outcomes. This study explored the cytotoxic effects of cobalt oxide nanoparticles combined with menthol (Co₃O₄@Glu-Menthol) on CRC cells by assessing the expression of caspase-8 (CASP8) and FEZF1-AS1 genes. Co₃O₄@Glu-Menthol nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing cobalt nitrate with sodium hydroxide and were surface functionalized with glucose and menthol coating. Characterization of nanoparticles was assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis/necrosis evaluation via Annexin V/Propidium Iodide assay, and caspase-8 (CASP8) and FEZF1-AS1 genes expression by qRT-PCR after RNA extraction of CRC cell line, cDNA synthesis, and primer design from both treated and untreated cells. Also, Hoechst staining was performed to characterize the anticancer mechanism of Co₃O₄@Glu-Menthol NPs. The synthesized NPs were spherical, within a 30–60 nm size range, and without impurities. The particles’ DLS size and zeta potential were 175 nm and − 41.1 mV, respectively. MTT assay showed that the IC₅₀ values of NP were 149 µg/mL and 87 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h, respectively, for CRC cell line and 320 µg/mL for normal cell line. Flow cytometry showed significant differences in apoptosis and necrosis between treated and untreated groups. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant increase in CASP8 gene expression (2.4 fold) and a decrease in FEZF1-AS1 gene expression (0.4 fold), indicating apoptotic effects (P < 0.001). Also, Caspase 3 activity was significantly increased in treated cells (6.2 fold) (P < 0.05). The study suggested that Co₃O₄@Glu-Menthol nanoparticles possess potent anticancer properties against CRC cells, potentially through induction of apoptosis and modulation of gene expression related to apoptosis pathways.

Liver cancer is a major global health challenge, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this study, we explore the use of paclitaxel-coated ZIF-8 metal-organic framework nanoparticles (ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx) as a novel drug delivery system for enhanced liver cancer treatment. A comprehensive set of analyses, including morphology evaluation, particle size distribution, zeta potential measurement, drug loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and In vitro drug release behavior, was conducted to assess the nanoparticles’ performance. The ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx demonstrated significant antitumor activity at a concentration of 75 µg/mL, particularly against HepG2 and Hep3B liver cancer cell lines. RT-PCR analysis revealed that ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx stimulated TNF-α expression in HepG2, Hep3B, and normal liver cells (NLCs), with further confirmation through Western blot analysis of TNF-α and β-actin levels. Notably, the nanoparticles exhibited the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in liver cancer cells. These findings suggest that ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx could offer an innovative approach for the delivery of paclitaxel to liver cancer cells, maximising treatment effectiveness with minimal side effects, and positioning this system as a promising candidate for future liver cancer treatments.

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The current study was designed to synthesize of chitosan (CS) by shrimp shells and grafted with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in-situ precipitation method. The physical features of nanomaterials were studied using SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The CS/Zn nanocomposite was crystalline, spherical with 12−18 nm in size. Nanocomposite's antibacterial and antifungal activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains and Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungal strains, respectively. Additionally, the adsorbent's capacity of nanocomposite was examined with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Each nanomaterial shows the significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The MI values for CS, Zn-NPs and CS/Zn nanocomposite were found to be 256, 128 and 32 µg/mL, respectively. Whereas, the growth of A. flavus, A. parasiticus and the AFB₁ production was inhibited at 5 mg/mL of CS/Zn nanocomposite. Adsorption capacities of ZnO-NPs, CS and CS/Zn nanocomposite were found to be 12.4, 64.5 and 150.4 ng/mg, respectively, as calculated by the Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamic and kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In conclusion, the synthesis of CS/Zn is simple, efficient, non-toxic, sustainable, energy-effective and useful as an alternative antibacterial, antifungal and as an AFB₁ detoxification agent in human and animal food.

Biofilm formation contributes to drug-resistant phenotype in P. aeruginosa. In patients with cystic fibrosis, the biofilm made by P. aeruginosa, which is mainly alginate, causes resistance to phagocytosis, as well as increased antibiotic resistance and chronicity of the disease. This work aimed to synthesize Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with (3-Chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) and conjugated with ellagic acid (EA) (ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs) and characterize their effects on P. aeruginosa growth and expression of some biofilm-related genes. Planktonic growth inhibition was investigated by broth microdilution method, and the antibiofilm property was evaluated by crystal violet staining assay. The effects of ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs on the expression of the algD, pelA and pslA genes were studied by real-time PCR assay. The synthesized ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs were spherical, in a size range of 17–35 nm and with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization that indicated correct synthesis of the particles. The zeta potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) size of the particles were − 14.1 mV and 191 nm, respectively and the particles showed thermal stability at temperatures up to 200 °C. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ZnO and EA for P. aeruginosa strains was 3.75 mg/mL, while ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs inhibited bacterial growth at 0.11 mg/mL. Treatment of clinical P. aeruginosa with EA and ZnO NPs reduced biofilm formation to 92.2 and 58.0%, respectively, while treatment with ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs decreased biofilm formation to 48.5%. Real-time PCR showed that treatment of clinical P. aeruginosa strains with ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs significantly reduced the expression of the algD, pelA and pslA to 0.43, 0.57 and 0.60 folds, respectively, which were significantly lower than in EA-treated bacteria. This work reports antibiofilm properties of ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs, which can be largely used to prevent nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa in the disinfection of hospital instruments and equipment.

Melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer, requires novel and effective treatment strategies. This study developed an optimized mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based system for the delivery of curcumin and quercetin, two polyphenolic compounds with anticancer properties, to enhance their transdermal delivery. MSNs were synthesized using the sol-gel method and optimized via a Box-Behnken design, resulting in nanoparticles with an average size of 172.92 ± 23.74 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.291 ± 0.026. Drug entrapment efficiencies were 46.25 ± 3.55% for curcumin and 50.35 ± 4.65% for quercetin. In vitro drug release showed sustained profiles, with 8.49 ± 0.80% of curcumin and 12.87 ± 1.27% of quercetin released over 24 h. Ex vivo skin permeation studies revealed a 2.6-fold and 2.25-fold increase in permeation for curcumin and quercetin, respectively, compared to free drugs. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated enhanced efficacy of the co-delivered MSNs formulations, with IC₅₀ values of 91.351 ± 6.114 µM for curcumin-loaded MSNs and 163.313 ± 12.880 µM for quercetin-loaded MSNs against A375 melanoma cells, significantly lower than those of their free drug counterparts. These findings suggest that MSN-based delivery systems offer a promising strategy for the topical treatment of melanoma by improving drug permeation and therapeutic efficacy.

In recent decades, the focus on building a sustainable living environment has shifted to two key goals: providing clean water and increasing the use of renewable energy. Photocatalytic processes are a possible alternative since photocatalysts are extremely successful at water purification and producing renewable energy sources. This study focuses on developing a sustainable photocatalyst for environmental remediation by synthesizing copper-doped Co₃O₄ nanoparticles on MoS₂ nanosheets using co-precipitation method. For the first time, we report a visible-light-driven photocatalyst of Cu–Co₃O₄/MoS₂ nanocomposite for photo-Fenton-like degradation activity. The structural, morphological, surface chemical, and optical properties of the samples were deeply analyzed. The results show a significant improvement in photocatalytic performance, achieving a 98% degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light in 60 minutes. The enhanced efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect of Cu–Co₃O₄ and MoS₂, which improves charge separation, increases active sites, and facilitates electron transfer. This makes the nanocomposite a promising solution for sustainable environmental remediation.

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